Portable Solar Generator Workshops

The Long Branch Environmental Education Center is continuing its workshop series on training individuals in the design and hands-on assembly of 123-Watt Portable Solar Generators.

The first workshop on this exciting area of applied solar technology was held April 16, 2005 and attracted over 30 people who gained invaluable lessons in practical applications of solar energy and off-grid solar electricity, and also put together seven 120-Watt generators.

This program is helping to spread some much-needed technical assistance and technical transfer for photovoltaics installation and renewable energy systems here in the Southern Appalachians, and future units will be assembled for 240-Volt applications such as solar water pumping.

These 123-Watt mobile solar electric units can power tools (saws, drills, air compressors, lights, etc.) in remote areas where electric power isn't available, and can even power most of the appliances in a family's home in times of grid power failure -- refrigerator, freezer, computer, lights, cellular or satellite phone, washing machine, TV, stereo, radio, etc.

(Information on other low-tech solar applications for water heating, cooking, and clothes drying is also available.)

The system includes one, 123-Watt photovoltaic module, two, 200 Ampere-hour Gel-cell batteries for backup storage, a 10-Ampere solar charge controller, and a 5000-Watt modified sine-wave inverter, converting 12 Volt DC electric power from the solar module and batteries to 120 Volt Alternating Current (AC) for typical household electrical tools and appliances.

The impetus for this workshop springs from our attempts to develop a Portable Solar Generator donation project to help earthquake and tsunami survivors in Southeast Asia -- to raise awareness and funds for the donation of 1,000 Portable Solar Generators to some international aid organizations who are working to help earthquake and tsunami survivors.

These Portable Solar Generators will give disaster-stricken communities a non-polluting, renewable source of energy to help rebuild their shelters, livelihoods, and their lives.

To register for the next workshop or for more information, please contact:

Paul Gallimore, Director
Long Branch Environmental Education Center
POB 369 Big Sandy Mush
Leicester, NC   28748
Tel. 828.683.3662
Fax: 828.683.9211
Email: paulg@main.nc.us

The following article appeared in the Hendersonville Times-News.

Workshop shows the public the solar system By Lois A. Tennant Times-News Staff Writer When Mike Whitney wants to run his power tools, he plugs them into the sun. On Saturday, he taught a workshop at Long Branch Environmental Education Center in Big Sandy Mush Creek near Leicester so others could, too. A small group assembled components and in three hours learned to build a 123 Watt portable solar generator. The design features a solar panel, two deep cycle marine batteries, an inverter and wiring with outlets all in a garden cart. It is heavy, but will supply 12V DC, 120V AC as needed, or can be made for 240V use. It can run several small appliances, or one large appliance and at 240V can run a well pump. There are regular electrical outlets on the front. Anyone who has been without power will appreciate the convenience and simplicity of this set-up, Whitney said. It is essentially maintenance-free and should last 5-10 years. Once set up, it just needs to be placed to get plenty of sun. Cloudy days still provide power, but rain and fog really reduce output. The unit costs about $2,500. No noise, no pollution and abundant fuel make it a good fit for many applications. Whitney, who calls himself the "Ohmsteader," said he enjoys sharing this technology. In fact, the workshop came as a result of trying to share with the tsunami victims in Asia. He had funding for 1,000 units complete with an electric saw, drill, light, weather radio and hammer and crow bar. But after he and Paul Gallimore, director of the LBEEC, sought the assistance of 40 relief organizations, they found none were interested. They think these organizations were unwilling to trust them since the generators are not well-known. Whitney and Gallimore decided to hold workshops to get the word out. Gallimore said they want a chance to show, "these portable solar generators will give disaster-stricken communities a non-polluting, renewable source of energy to help rebuild their shelters, livelihoods and their lives." For more information, contact Whitney at 828-669-6417 and Gallimore at 828-683-3662.